Parker snags fly, breaks right clavicle

Outfielder sidelined indefinitely; teammates praise intensity

April 15th, 2017

SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants left fielder declined to speak to reporters Saturday after the 5-0 loss to the Rockies. Fair enough; he didn't need to say a word. The thud of Parker's body striking the left-field barrier in the fourth inning spoke volumes.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy said that Parker broke his right clavicle as he ran full-speed into the wall to grab DJ LeMahieu's long drive off Matt Moore. Parker's admirable play ended the inning, but it also sidelined him indefinitely. The team has not officially placed him on the disabled list, but it is expected to do so Sunday.
Though Colorado led, 4-0, when Parker made his daring grab, he obviously wasn't deterred by the Giants' deficit. If anything, he likely was striving to keep the score relatively close.
"That's how he plays," Bochy said of Parker. "He's an intense guy. He plays all out, plays to win. There was no backing off, no fear of that wall."

Moore appreciated Parker's diligence. "You feel for a guy like that, because it's not like a careless mistake," said Moore, who lasted 5 2/3 innings and allowed all of Colorado's runs. "He was playing the game hard."
Chris Marrero spent Spring Training competing against Parker for the left-field job and divided activity with him through the early weeks of this season. This bloodless rivalry didn't stop Marrero from praising his teammate.
"That was a great play," Marrero said. "It sucks to see him get hurt. He comes in here battling every day."
Bochy dropped no hints regarding the identity of Parker's replacement. But since filling the vacancy with a player who's on the 40-man roster would be the easiest move, utilityman appears to be a logical choice.
Or the Giants could emphasize their immediate future, which includes a two-game series at Kansas City and a rematch with the Rockies next weekend in Denver. Since the Giants will have less use for reserves against the Royals due to the designated hitter's presence in the lineup and greater need for pitching at Coors Field, they might opt for another pitcher, such as left-hander .
The Giants cadre of veteran outfielders at extended Spring Training and in the Minors -- including , and Melvin Upton -- probably need more game activity before they can be considered ready to promote.
Parker, 28, hit .143 in nine games while contributing solid defense.
"This kid was given a chance finally. It's a shame," Bochy said. "He made some kind of catch. I don't know how he held onto the ball. He's going to miss some time. Bad break for him; bad break for us."